Aston Martin Works Service To Host 12th Annual Bonhams Auction At Newport Pagnell

NEWPORT PAGNELL – May 18, 2011: Saturday 21st May sees the 12th Annual Bonhams Auction at Aston Martin Works Service, Newport Pagnell – a highly anticipated event that sees an unprecedented variety of iconic Aston Martins as well as automobilia for sale.

Works Service has been a fitting backdrop for the auction since its inception in 2000. The Newport Pagnell workshops remain a critical part of Aston Martin’s operations; a place for regular servicing and repairs right through to complete restoration. A dedicated team of over 50 specialists use their combined 530 years of experience to look after around 2,500 cars in the workshop every year. The new Works Tailored programme adds another dimension to the role of Newport Pagnell, providing bespoke manufacturing services for the most discerning customers.

The 12th year of this iconic auction is a testament to the enduring strength of Aston Martin’s brand, the ever growing performance of the classic car market and the company’s belief in maintaining a unique relationship with owners and enthusiasts.

Director of Works Service and Parts Operations, Kingsley Riding-Felce said: “Since 2000 when the first auction was held, nearly £27m worth of historic Aston Martins have been sold by Bonhams, together with historical documents, parts, and other automotive ephemera, including film props.

“This year’s sale offers another impressive selection of cars from a ‘barn-find’ DB4 Convertible and exceptionally rare DB5 Vantage Shooting Brake through to two Works Service restored cars paying homage to past James Bond cars.

“From more recent years we have our own Chief Executive’s company Rapide being auctioned by Aston Martin in aid of charitable funds for Japan following the recent tragedies to the hit the county. We look forward another successful auction in collaboration with our friends at Bonhams.”

The 2011 auction features a total of nearly 350 lots which will attract bidding from interested parties across the globe. Prior to the sale of over 40 important cars an auction will take place of Aston Martin and Lagonda automobilia including a very special private collection of James Bond related items from a DB5 Steering Wheel used in the 1964 film Goldfinger up to a replica Walther P99 back-up pistol used by Pierce Brosnan in the 2002 Die Another Day.

Previous years have seen new benchmarks made at this annual auction with a Works Service restored 1970 Aston Martin DB6 MK2 Volante achieving a price of £430,500 in 2007, while in 2008, a 1961 DB4GT Coupe was sold for £1,079,500 (inclusive of Buyers Premium). In 2009, a 1965 DB5 in showroom condition achieved £249,000, far exceeding the estimate and showing the strength of the Aston Martin brand in a challenging market place. Last year continued to show this strength with entries such as the ex-works 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car “VMF 65” selling for £513,000 and the unique Works Service DP2155 realising £485,500.

Works Service has gathered a global customer base, with unparalled experience of post war Aston Martins as well as an intimate knowledge of almost all the lots offered for sale. The workshops form a core part of Aston Martin, providing a uniquely personal service for customers in nearly 30 countries around the world.

Works Service is more than just a workshop; it’s a place where skilled craftsmanship, technology and specialist knowledge come together to ensure Aston Martin’s historic legacy can be enjoyed by future generations.

The Bonhams Auction at Aston Martin Works Service starts at 9am on Saturday 21st May.